During the Ming dynasty, geoscience exhibited the characteristics of complex diversity and comprehensive progress against the backdrop of a society where ideological despotism coexisted with open exchange. China's geographical understanding of foreign lands was significantly enriched by the voyages of Zheng He, resistance against foreign enemies, the revival of Taoism, river management, development of the mining industry, the construction of gardens, and the arrival of missionaries in China. The number and scope of local chronicles expanded, and the community of travellers grew as well. Military needs gave rise to writings on border defence, coastal defence and hydraulic engineering. In addition, map-making methods further developed, with the number of atlases increasing. As Western geoscience was introduced to China, people’s knowledge about minerals and rocks was enhanced..